99 -- FMDV ANTISERUM

The USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) within APHIS plans to enter into sole source negotiations with the Institute For Animal Health in Surry, UK, for the acquisition of 103ml of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) rabbit antiserum. This procurement is justified under FAR 13.106(b)(1) due to a federal law prohibiting the production of the required serum on the U.S. mainland, making the UK-based provider uniquely qualified to supply this specialized product. No formal solicitation package will be issued, and while this notice is not a request for competitive quotes, the government will consider responses submitted by July 9, 2007, to determine whether a competitive procurement is warranted. The contract, identified under solicitation number fbo-faddl38664 and categorized within NAICS code 339999, has an assigned contracting officer, Sarah E. Schauf, who can be contacted for more information. The government retains sole discretion on whether to pursue competition based on responses received. The sole source nature of this acquisition emphasizes the unique regulatory and supply constraints related to veterinary biological materials, particularly the FMDV rabbit antiserum necessary for disease prevention and control efforts.